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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | The Glories of Handel Opera
Handel: | Tornami a vagheggiar (from Alcina) Emma Kirkby The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood Ah Stigie larve! (from Orlando) James Bowman The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood Già latra Cerbero (from Orlando) James Bowman The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood Vaghe pupille, non piangete (from Orlando) James Bowman The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood Atterrato il muro cada (from Riccardo Primo) Janet Creaser Hutchins - Piano / Les Talens Lyriques / Sara Mingardo - Contralto / Timothy Hutchins - flute Christophe Rousset Care selve (from Atalanta) Luciano Pavarotti Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Richard Bonynge Semele: Hence, Iris, hence away Marilyn Horne New Symphony Orchestra of London, Richard Bonynge Io t'abbraccio (from Rodelinda) Alicia Nafé, Dame Joan Sutherland Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Bonynge Ezio (or Aetius), 1732 : Se un bell'ardire Forbes Robinson The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Philip Ledger Piangerò la sorte mia (from Giulio Cesare) Teresa Berganza Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Alexander Gibson Alcina : Dream music: Entrée de songes funestes...Le Combat The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Neville Marriner Lascia ch'io pianga (from Rinaldo) Bernadette Greevy The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Neville Marriner Sta nell'Ircana pietrosa tana (from Alcina) Teresa Berganza London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge Frondi tenere e belle ... Ombra mai fù (from Serse) Renata Tebaldi New Philharmonia Orchestra, Richard Bonynge Si, tra i ceppi (from Berenice) Geraint Evans L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Bryan Balkwill Dove sei, amato bene? (from Rodelinda) Marilyn Horne Vienna Cantata Orchestra, Henry Lewis Da tempeste il legno infranto (from Giulio Cesare) Dame Joan Sutherland New Symphony Orchestra of London, Richard Bonynge |
Berganza, Kirkby, Pavarotti, Horne & Tebaldi | | | (Sorry, download not available in your country) | Usually despatched in 8 - 10 working days. |
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| |  | Bliss conducts Bliss
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| |  | Purcell, Handel & Haydn - Odes to St Cecilia
A 3CD set including works with the 3 composers’ anniversary 2009 Haydn (1809), Purcell (1659) and Handel (1759) and presenting 3 works on the theme of Saint Cecilia. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Delius, Howells & Hadley
Delius: | A Mass of Life Heather Harper (soprano), Helen Watts (contralto), Robert Tear (tenor), Benjamin Luxon (baritone) London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves Songs of Sunset Dame Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano, John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves An Arabesque John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves String Quartet (1916) Britten Quartet | Hadley, P: | My beloved spake James Lancelot (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks I sing of a maiden Francis Grier (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger The Hills Felicity Palmer (soprano), Robert Tear (tenor), Robert Lloyd (bass) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Philip Ledger | Howells: | Phantasy String Quartet, Op. 25 Britten Quartet In Gloucestershire, (String Quartet No. 3) Britten Quartet Hymnus Paradisi Heather Harper (soprano), Robert Tear (tenor) New Philharmonia Orchestra, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Bach Choir, Sir David Willcocks Concerto for string orchestra Dennis Simons & Robert Growcott (violins), John Chambers (viola), Alexander Cameron (cello) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult |
A 5CD set containing titles from the acclaimed EMI British Composers series, based around the music of Frederick Delius and his contemporaries; Herbert Howells and Patrick Hadley. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Handel: Great Choral Works
Handel: | Messiah Elizabeth Harwood (soprano), Dame Janet Baker (mezzo), Paul Esswood (countertenor), Robert Tear (tenor), Raimund Herincx (bass-baritone) English Chamber Orchestra, Ambrosian Singers, Sir Charles Mackerras Saul Sir Thomas Allen (Saul), Robert Tear (Jonathan), Paul Esswood (David), Charles Daniels (Abner), Sally Burgess (Merab), Margaret Marshall (Michal), Gareth Morrell (Doeg), Martyn Hill (The Witch of Endor), Matthew Best (Apparition of Samuel), Christopher Gillett (An Amalekite) English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Alexander's Feast Helen Donath (soprano), Sally Burgess (mezzo), Robert Tear (tenor), Sir Thomas Allen (baritone) English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger The Choice of Hercules Helen Donath (soprano), Helen Watts (alto), James Bowman (countertenor), Robert Tear (tenor) English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Coronation Anthems Nos. 1-4 Paul Smy (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor), Charles Daniels (tenor), Gerald Finley (baritone) English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Dixit Dominus, HWV 232 Teresa Zylis-Gara (soprano), Dame Janet Baker (mezzo), Martin Lane (tenor), Robert Tear (tenor), John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Te Deum in D major 'Dettingen', HWV283 Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester, Wolfgang Gönnenwein Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63 Karl Christian Kohn (bass) ju judas Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Berliner Philharmoniker, Karl Forster |
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| |  | Wind Concertos
Albinoni: | Concerto Op. 9 No. 2 for oboe & strings in D minor Concerto Op. 7 No. 2 for two oboes & strings in C major Concerto Op. 7 No. 6 for oboe & strings in D major Concerto Op. 9 No. 9 for two oboes & strings in C major Concerto Op. 7 No. 8 for two oboes & strings in D major Concerto Op. 9 No. 5 for oboe & strings in C major Concerto Op. 7 No. 3 for oboe & strings in B flat major Concerto Op. 9 No. 3 for two oboes & strings in F major Concerto Op. 9 No. 11 for oboe & strings in B flat major Concerto Op. 7 No. 11 for two oboes & strings in C major Concerto Op. 9 No. 8 for oboe & strings in G minor Concerto Op. 7 No. 5 for two oboes & strings in C major Concerto Op. 7 No. 9 for oboe & strings in F major Concerto Op. 9 No. 6 for two oboes & strings in G major Concerto Op. 7 No. 12 for oboe & strings in C major Concerto Op. 9 No. 12 for two oboes & strings in D major Concerto Op. 9 No. 5 for oboe & strings in C major | Bellini: | Oboe Concerto in E flat major | Crusell: | Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 3 | Kozeluch: | Clarinet Concerto in E flat major | Krommer: | Clarinet Concerto in E flat major Op. 36 | Lebrun, L: | Oboe Concerto No. 3 in C major | Marcello, A: | Oboe Concerto in D Minor | Molter: | Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1-5 (complete) | Mozart: | Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4 (complete) Fragment in E, K494a Clarinet Concerto in A major, K622 Flute & Harp Concerto in C major, K299 | Rosetti: | Oboe Concerto in D major, Murray C33, Kaul III:28 | Spohr: | Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26 | Vivaldi: | Bassoon Concerto, RV 467 in C major Bassoon Concerto, RV 491 in F major Bassoon Concerto, RV 500 in A minor Bassoon Concerto, RV 499 in A minor Bassoon Concerto, RV 466 in C major Bassoon Concerto, RV 486 in F major Bassoon Concerto, RV 474 in C major Bassoon Concerto, RV 487 in F major Concerti per molti strumenti |
Daniel Smith (bassoon), Stefan Schilli (oboe), Giovanni Deangeli (oboe), Tanja Becker-Bender (violin), Henk de Graaf (clarinet), Francesco Quaranta (oboe), Burkhard Glaetzner (oboe), Robin Williams (oboe), Lajos Lencsés (oboe), Herman Jeurissen (horn), Harmen de Boer (clarinet), Marc Grauwels (flute), Giselle Herbert (harp), Emma Johnson (clarinet) Musica ad Rhenum, Ensemble Florilegium, English Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Amadeus Ensemble Rotterdam, Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam, Les Violons du Roy, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philip Ledger, Nicol Matt, Marien van Staalen, Roy Goodman, Lev Markiz, Bernard Labadie, Gerard Schwarz, Günther Herbig | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | Delius: 150th Anniversary Edition
Delius: | Sleigh Ride Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Marche Caprice ed. & arr. Beecham Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Over the hills and far away ed. Beecham Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Dance Rhapsody No. 2 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Dance Rhapsody No. 1 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham On the mountains Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham The Walk to the Paradise Garden London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli A Song of Summer London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Irmelin Prelude London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Late Swallows Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Appalachia (Variations on an old slave song) (includes rehearsal footage) Ambrosian Singers, Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Paris - Song of a Great City Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras In a Summer Garden Hallé Orchestra, Vernon Handley Pieces (2) for Small Orchestra London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Fennimore and Gerda: Intermezzo London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Piano Concerto in C minor Piers Lane (piano) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Florida Suite Revised and edited by Sir Thomas Beecham Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox Brigg Fair Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox Summer Evening arr. Beecham Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Koanga: La Calinda arr. Fenby Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Air and Dance Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Hassan: Intermezzo & Serenade arr. Beecham Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Aquarelles (2) arr. Fenby The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Sir Neville Marriner Lebenstanz Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves North Country Sketches Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Sea Drift John Noble (baritone) Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Cynara John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Violin Concerto Yehudi Menuhin (violin) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Meredith Davies Double Concerto for Violin and Cello Yehudi Menuhin (violin), Paul Tortelier (cello) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Meredith Davies Cello Concerto Jacqueline du Pré (cello) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent Dance arr. Eric Fenby Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Eric Fenby Koanga: La Calinda arr. Eric Fenby Elena Duran (flute) Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Eric Fenby Air and Dance arr. Eric Fenby Elena Duran (flute) Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Eric Fenby Five Little Pieces arr. Eric Fenby Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Eric Fenby Sonata for string orchestra arr. Eric Fenby Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Eric Fenby String Quartet (1916) Britten Quartet Violin Sonata No. 1 in E major Yehudi Menuhin (violin), Eric Fenby (piano) Violin Sonata No. 2 Yehudi Menuhin (violin), Eric Fenby (piano) Violin Sonata No. 3 Yehudi Menuhin (violin), Eric Fenby (piano) Legende Tasmin Little (violin), John Lenehan (piano) Cello Sonata Moray Welsh (cello), Israela Margalit (piano) Dance Igor Kipnis (harpsichord) Twilight Fancies Ian Bostridge (tenor), Julius Drake (piano) To be sung of a summer night on the water, No. 1 (wordless) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Wanderer's Song Baccholian Singers of London The Homeward Way Marjorie Thomas (mezzo) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Twilight Fancies orch. Beecham Elsie Suddaby (soprano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Whither (Autumn) orch. Beecham Elsie Suddaby (soprano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham The Violet orch. Gibson Elsie Suddaby (soprano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Whither (Autumn) Dora Labbette (soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham The Violet Dora Labbette (soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham I-Brasîl Dora Labbette (soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Young Venevil sung in German Dora Labbette (soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham Twilight Fancies Dora Labbette (soprano), Sir Thomas Beecham (piano) Cradle song Dora Labbette (soprano), Sir Thomas Beecham (piano) The Nightingale (from Five Songs from the Norwegian) Dora Labbette (soprano), Sir Thomas Beecham (piano) Irmelin Rose from Seven Danish Songs Dora Labbette (soprano), Gerald Moore (piano) So white, so soft, so sweet is she from Four Old English Lyrics Dora Labbette (soprano), Gerald Moore (piano) Le ciel est, par-dessus le toit Dora Labbette (soprano), Gerald Moore (piano) La lune blanche Dora Labbette (soprano), Gerald Moore (piano) To the queen of my heart (from Three Shelley Songs) Heddle Nash (tenor), Gerald Moore (piano) Love’s Philosophy (from Three Shelley Songs) Heddle Nash (tenor), Gerald Moore (piano) Caprice & Elegy Beatrice Harrison (cello) Chamber Orchestra, Eric Fenby Eventyr (once upon a time) Hallé Orchestra, Vernon Handley Hassan - incidental music Martyn Hill (tenor), Brian Rayner Cook (baritone) Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, Vernon Handley Songs of Sunset Dame Janet Baker (mezzo), John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves An Arabesque John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves A Mass of Life Heather Harper (soprano), Helen Watts (contralto), Robert Tear (tenor), Benjamin Luxon (baritone) London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves Requiem Heather Harper (soprano), John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society, Meredith Davies Idyll 'Once I passed through a populous city' Heather Harper (soprano), John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Meredith Davies A Song before sunrise Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent Songs of Farewell Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Choral Society, Sir Malcolm Sargent Koanga Eugene Holmes (Koanga), Claudia Lindsey (Palmyra), Raimund Herincx (Don José Martinez), Keith Erwen (Simon Perez), Jean Allister (Clotilda), Simon Estes (Rangwan) London Symphony Orchestra, John Alldis Choir, Sir Charles Groves A Song of the High Hills Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, Sir Charles Groves A Village Romeo and Juliet Benjamin Luxon (Manz), Noel Mangin (Marti), Colin Manley (Sali - as a child), Wendy Eathorne (Vrenchen - as a child), Elizabeth Harwood (Vrenchen), Robert Tear (Sali), John Shirley-Quirk (The Dark Fiddler) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Alldis Choir, Meredith Davies Fennimore and Gerda Elisabeth Söderström (Fennimore, Gerda), Brian Rayner Cook (Niels Lyhne), Robert Tear (Erik Refstrup) Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Danish Radio Chorus, Meredith Davies |
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| |  | Sir Adrian Boult: Elgar: The Complete EMI Recordings
Elgar: | Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 'In London Town' Froissart Overture, Op. 19 recorded 1971 Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15 No. 1 Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2 Bavarian Dances (3) The Light of Life, Op. 29 'Lux Christi' - Meditation Imperial March, Op. 32 recorded 1976 Triumphal March from Caractacus Enigma Variations, Op. 36 recorded 1970 London Symphony Orchestra Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op. 39 recorded 1976/7 Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42 - Incidental Music Dream Children, Op. 43: Two pieces for small orchestra recorded 1974 Empire March The Wand of Youth Suite No. 1, Op. 1a recorded 1967 Carillon, Op. 75 The Wand of Youth Suite No. 2, Op. 1b Polonia Fantasia & Fugue in C minor, Op. 86 (after Bach, BWV 537) recorded 1973 Overture in D minor (after Handel, HWV247) Funeral March Chopin orch. Elgar. recorded 1974 Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55 recorded 1976 In the South (Alassio), Op. 50 recorded 1970 Elegy for strings, Op. 58 Symphony No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 63 BBC Symphony Orchestra Sospiri, Op. 70 BBC Symphony Orchestra The Sanguine Fan, Op. 81 BBC Symphony Orchestra Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op. 47 recorded 1972 Falstaff - Symphonic Study in C minor, Op. 68 recorded 1973 Nursery Suite Fantasia & Fugue in C minor, Op. 86 (after Bach, BWV 537) recorded 1949 Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 recorded 1965 Yehudi Menuhin (violin) New Philharmonia Orchestra Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 recorded 1972 Paul Tortelier (violoncello) The Music Makers, Op. 69 Dame Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) London Philharmonic Choir The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 Helen Watts (The Angel), Nicolai Gedda (Gerontius), Robert Lloyd (The Priest, The Angel of the Agony) London Philharmonic Choir & New Philharmonia Orchestra The Apostles, Op. 49 Sheila Armstrong (The Blessed Virgin), Helen Watts (Mary Magdalene), Robert Tear (St. John), Benjamin Luxon (St. Peter), Clifford Grant (Judas), John Carol Case (Jesus) Choir of Downe House School & London Philharmonic Choir The Kingdom, Op. 51 Margaret Price (The Blessed Virgin), Yvonne Minton (Mary Magdalene), Alexander Young (St. John), John Shirley-Quirk (St. Peter) London Philharmonic Choir Coronation Ode, Op. 44 Bonus Track Dame Felicity Lott (soprano), Alfreda Hodgson (contralto), Richard Morton (tenor), Stephen Roberts (bass) Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Band of the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Sir Philip Ledger Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 recorded 1945 Pablo Casals (violoncello) BBC Symphony Orchestra Enigma Variations, Op. 36 recorded 1936 BBC Symphony Orchestra Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op. 47 recorded 1937 BBC Symphony Orchestra Imperial March, Op. 32 recorded 1937 BBC Symphony Orchestra The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 - Prelude recorded 1934 BBC Symphony Orchestra Funeral March Chopin orch. Elgar. recorded 1932 BBC Symphony Orchestra Symphony No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 63 recorded 1944 BBC Symphony Orchestra Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 recorded 1977/8 Ida Haendel (violin) Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op. 47 recorded 1961 Pomp and Circumstance March No. 3 in C minor, Op. 39 No. 3 recorded 1953 Enigma Variations, Op. 36 recorded 1961 Dream Children, Op. 43: Two pieces for small orchestra recorded 1955 Froissart Overture, Op. 19 recorded 1955 Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op. 39 recorded 1955 In the South (Alassio), Op. 50 recorded 1955 Falstaff - Symphonic Study in C minor, Op. 68 recorded 1950 The Wand of Youth Suite No. 1, Op. 1a recorded 1953 Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55 recorded 1949 Enigma Variations, Op. 36 recorded 1953 |
plus: The Apostles & The Kingdom: An illustrated introduction by Sir Adrian Boult
Back in 1920, having heard the young Adrian Boult conduct the Second Symphony, Sir Edward Elgar was certain: ‘My reputation in the future is safe in your hands. It was a wonderful series of sounds. Bless you!’ How right Elgar was, as this treasury confirms: the first set to unite all of Boult’s recordings for EMI of a composer he conducted and recorded throughout his long career. We can thereby hear four different versions of the Enigma Variations, recorded between 1936 and 1970, and marvel at their clear-sighted consistency as much as changing nuances of expression over the years. The oldest recording in this collection, being Sir Adrian’s first of his long association with Elgar, that of the orchestration of the Chopin: Funeral March from his Piano Sonata No. 2, commissioned by the Gramophone Company, was attended by the composer and his daughter. About a tenth of the total collection is available on CD for the first time in this box set. This set is part of our series of releases marking 30 years since the conductor’s passing. | 
| EMI - 9035922 (CD - 19 discs) Normally: $81.00 Special: $52.25 |
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| |  | Elgar- The Collector’s Edition
anon.: | God Save The Queen (arr. Elgar) | Elgar: | Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55 Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op. 47 Allegri Quartet Sinfonia of London, Sir John Barbirolli Symphony No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 63 Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Elegy for strings, Op. 58 New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Sospiri, Op. 70 New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Falstaff - Symphonic Study in C minor, Op. 68 Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 'In London Town' Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Froissart Overture, Op. 19 New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Enigma Variations, Op. 36 Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op. 39 New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 Sinfonia of London, Sir John Barbirolli Sea Pictures, Op. 37 Dame Janet Baker London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Jacqueline du Pré (cello) London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli Violin Sonata in E minor, Op. 82 David Parkhouse Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 Hugh Bean (violin) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Nursery Suite Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Severn Suite, Op. 87 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Crown of India, Op. 66: Suite Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Coronation March, Op. 65 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley The Wand of Youth Suite No. 1, Op. 1a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley The Wand of Youth Suite No. 2, Op. 1b Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Bavarian Dances (3) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15 No. 1 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Fantasia & Fugue in C minor, Op. 86 (after Bach, BWV 537) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Overture in D minor (after Handel, HWV247) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult In the South (Alassio), Op. 50 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Carillon, Op. 75 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42 - Incidental Music London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Polonia London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Imperial March, Op. 32 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Empire March David Bell London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Beau Brummel Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawrence Collingwood Dream Children, Op. 43 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawrence Collingwood Salut d'amour, Op. 12 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawrence Collingwood Minuet Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner May Song Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Rosemary Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Romance, Op. 62 Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Sevillana Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Sérénade lyrique Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Mazurka, Op. 10 No. 1 Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Sérénade mauresque, Op. 10 No. 2 Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Contrasts, Op. 10 No. 3 Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Carissima Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Mina Northern Sinfonia of England, Sir Neville Marriner Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84 John Ogdon (piano) Allegri Quartet String Quartet in E minor, Op. 83 Allegri Quartet Serenade for piano John Ogdon (piano) Concert Allegro, Op. 46 Allegri Quartet The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 Dame Janet Baker (Mezzo Soprano), Richard Lewis (Tenor) & Kim Borg (Bass) Hallé Choir, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, Ambrosian Singers & Hallé Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli The Apostles, Op. 49 Sheila Armstrong (Soprano), Helen Watts (Contralto), Robert Tear (Tenor), Benjamin Luxon (Baritone), Clifford Grant (Bass) & John Carol Case (Baritone) Downe House School Choir, London Philharmonic Choir & London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult The Kingdom, Op. 51 Dame Margaret Price (Soprano), Yvonne Minton (Contralto), Alexander Young (Tenor) & John Shirley-Quirk (Baritone) London Philharmonic Choir & London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Coronation Ode, Op. 44 Dame Felicity Lott (Soprano), Alfreda Hodgson (Contralto), Richard Morton (Tenor) & Stephen Roberts (Baritone) Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Band of the Royal Military School of Music & New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir Philip Ledger The Light of Life, Op. 29 'Lux Christi' Margaret Marshall (Soprano), Helen Watts (Contralto), Robin Leggate (Tenor) & John Shirley-Quirk (Baritone) Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves The Black Knight, Op. 25 Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf Teresa Cahill (Soprano), Philip Langridge (Tenor) & Brian Rayner Cook (Baritone) London Philharmonic Choir & London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Spanish Serenade 'Stars of the Summer Night' Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves The Snow Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Fly singing bird Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Caractacus, Op. 35 Peter Glossop (Baritone), Sheila Armstrong (Soprano), Robert Tear (Tenor), Brian Rayner Cook (Baritone), Malcolm King (Bass) & Richard Suart (Bass) Liverpool Philharmonic Choir & Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves Caractacus, Op. 35 Peter Glossop (Baritone), Sheila Armstrong (Soprano), Robert Tear (Tenor), Brian Rayner Cook (Baritone), Malcolm King (Bass) & Richard Suart (Bass) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult The Banner of St George London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Benedictus, Op. 34 No. 2 London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Te Deum laudamus, Op. 34, No. 1 London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Great is the Lord (Psalm XLVIII), Op. 67 Stephen Roberts (Baritone) London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox The Spirit of England, Op. 80 Dame Felicity Lott (Soprano) London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Give unto the Lord (Psalm XXIX), Op. 74 London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox O hearken Thou, Op. 64 London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Land of Hope and Glory (arr. Arthur Fagge) London Symphony Chorus & Northern Sinfonia of England, Richard Hickox Ave verum corpus, Op. 2 No. 1 Worcester Cathedral Choir, Harry Bramma & Christopher Robinson Ave Maria, Op. 2 No. 2 Worcester Cathedral Choir, Harry Bramma & Christopher Robinson Ave maris stella, Op. 2 No. 3 Worcester Cathedral Choir, Harry Bramma & Christopher Robinson Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14 Worcester Cathedral Choir, Harry Bramma & Christopher Robinson Angelus Worcester Cathedral Choir, Harry Bramma & Christopher Robinson Organ Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 28 Herbert Sumsion (organ) The Music Makers, Op. 69 Dame Janet Baker London Philharmonic Choir & London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult The Sanguine Fan, Op. 81 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult Starlight Express, Op. 78 Valerie Masterson (Soprano) & Derek Hammond-Stroud (Baritone) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley Scenes (6) from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27 Pleading, Op. 48 No. 1 Three Songs, Op. 59 Two Songs Op. 60 (The Torch; The River) Two Part-songs Op. 71 My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land Op. 18 No. 3 Five Part-songs from The Greek Anthology, Op. 45 The Wanderer The Reveille Op. 54 Four Part-songs Op. 53 Jerusalem Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op. 39 No. 1 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 2 in A minor, Op. 39 No. 2 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 3 in C minor, Op. 39 No. 3 London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 in G major, Op. 39 No. 4 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 5 in C major, Op. 39 No. 5 BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 - Prelude Royal Albert Hall Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Five Piano Improvisations Sir Edward Elgar Salut d'amour, Op. 12 New Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15 No. 1 Royal Albert Hall Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2 London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op. 39 No. 1 (Trio) London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 'In London Town'
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Edward Elgar |
Also includes 'The Apostles and the Kingdom - An Illustrated Introduction by Sir Adrian Boult' (2006 remaster)
Elgar is the quintessential English composer. He is loved as our Shakespeare of music, and we turn to him at times of solemn remembrance and national rejoicing. This edition, released to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth, presents all the major orchestral, choral, chamber and stage works, as well as many lesser pieces and rarities, in interpretations by the 20th century’s finest Elgarians. All your favourite Elgar is here, in over 32 hours of music on 30 CDs. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Benjamin Britten - The Collector’s Edition
Britten: | Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Libor Pesek Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Libor Pesek The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Libor Pesek Canadian Carnival Overture, Op. 19 Wesley Warren (trumpet) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Diversions for piano (left hand) and orchestra, Op. 21 Peter Donohoe (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Scottish Ballad, Op. 26 Peter Donohoe & Philip Fowke (pianos) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle An American Overture City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Occasional Overture, Op. 38 City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle The Building of the House CBSO Chorus & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Piano Concerto, Op. 13 Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi Violin Concerto in D minor Op. 15 Ida Haendel (violin) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Berglund Young Apollo, Op. 16 Peter Donohoe (piano), Felix Kok, Jeremy Ballard (violins), Peter Cole (viola) & Michal Kaznowski (cello) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Simple Symphony, Op. 4 Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Iona Brown Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10 Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Iona Brown Prelude & Fugue for 18 strings, Op. 29 Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Iona Brown Lachrymae for viola & strings, Op. 48a Lars Anders Tomter (viola) Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Iona Brown Gloriana - Symphonic Suite Op. 53a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68 Steven Isserlis (cello) City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox Men of Goodwill (Variations on a Christmas Carol for orchestra) Minnesota Orchestra, Sir Neville Marriner Sinfonietta, Op. 1 Pauline Lowbury & Julian Tear (violins) Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding Russian Funeral City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Suite on English Folk Tunes 'A Time there was', Op. 90 Peter Walden (cor anglais) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Matinées musicales (after Rossini), Op. 24 English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Alexander Gibson Soirées musicales (after Rossini), Op. 9 English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Alexander Gibson The Tocher (Rossini Suite) Boys of the Choir of Paisley & Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford The Prince of the Pagodas, Op. 57 London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen Rhapsody for String Quartet Endellion String Quartet Quartettino Endellion String Quartet String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 Endellion String Quartet Phantasy in F minor for string quintet Nicholas Logie (viola) Endellion String Quartet Elegy for unaccompanied viola Garfield Jackson (viola) Phantasy Quartet for Oboe & String Trio, Op. 2 Endellion String Quartet Three Divertimenti Endellion String Quartet String Quartet No. 2 in C major, Op. 36 Endellion String Quartet String Quartet in D major (1931) Endellion String Quartet String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94 Endellion String Quartet Suites for cello solo, Nos. 1-3 Truls Mørk (cello) Holiday Diary Op. 5 for solo piano Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Three Character Pieces Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Moderato, Nocturne & Twelve Variations on a Theme from Sonatina romantica Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Five Waltzes for piano Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Two Lullabies for Two Pianos Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Introduction and Rondo alla burlesca, op.23 No.1 Stephen Hough, Ronan O’Hara (pianos) Suite Op. 6 Alexander Barantschik (violin) & John Adey (piano) Sonata for cello and piano in C major, Op. 65 Moray Welsh (cello) & John Lenehan (piano) Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for solo oboe, Op. 49 Roy Carter (oboe) Nocturnal after John Dowland, Op. 70 Julian Bream (guitar) War Requiem, Op. 66 Elisabeth Söderström (soprano), Robert Tear (tenor), Sir Thomas Allen (baritone) & Mark Blatchly (chamber organ) Boys of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, CBSO Chorus & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Spring Symphony, Op. 44 Sheila Armstrong (soprano), Dame Janet Baker (contralto) & Robert Tear (tenor) St. Clement Danes School Boys’ Choir, London Symphony Chorus & London Symphony Orchestra, André Previn Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27 Richard Cross (treble) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28 James Clark, Julian Godlee (trebles) & Osian Ellis (harp) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks Missa Brevis in D major, Op. 63 Julian Brown, Christopher Anderson, Anthony Sackville, Rory Phillips & James Clark (trebles) & Ian Hare (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks Festival Te Deum in E, Op. 32 Simon Channing (treble) & James Lancelot (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30 Simon Channing (treble), James Bowman (countertenor), Richard Morton (tenor), Marcus Creed (bass), James Lancelot (organ) & David Corkhill (percussion) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Te Deum in C Rory Phillips (treble) & James Lancelot (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger Jubilate Deo in C major (1961) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger A Hymn to the Virgin Stephen Barton (treble), Hugh Hudleston (treble), Warren Trevelyan-Jones (tenor) & Francis Pott (bass) Winchester Cathedral Choir, David Hill St Nicolas, Op. 42 Words by Eric Crozier Robert Tear (tenor), Bruce Russell (treble), Andrew Davis & Ian Hare (piano duet Cambridge Girls’ Choir, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge & Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Sir David Willcocks Hymn to St. Peter, Op. 56a Mark Emney, Peter Rowe (trebles) & Timothy Farrell (organ) Wandsworth School Choir, Russell Burgess A Hymn of Saint Columba Mark Emney, Peter Rowe (trebles), Christopher Hughes, Timothy Farrell (organ) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge & Wandsworth School Choir, Russell Burgess Sacred and Profane, Op. 91 Vasari Singers, Jeremy Backhouse The Little Sweep, Op. 45 Words by Eric Crozier Robert Lloyd, Robert Tear, Sam Monck, Heather Begg, Catherine Benson, Cato Fordham, Catherine Wearing, Mary Wells, David Glick, Colin Huehns & Katherine Willis Finchley Children’s Music Group, Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge & Medici String Quartet, Sir Philip Ledger A Boy was Born, Op. 3 London Sinfonietta Chorus & Choristers of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Terry Edwards A Shepherd's Carol Sarah Leonard (soprano), Susan Bickley (mezzo-soprano), Peter Hall (tenor) & Gordon Jones (baritone) London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards Noye's Fludde Richard Pasco, Donald Maxwell, Linda Ormiston, Alexander Gallifant, Timothy Lamb, Nicholas Berry, Catriona Johnson, Polly Hewetson & Joanna Brown Coull String Quartet & Schools’ Orchestra from schools of Salisbury and Chester, Richard Hickox A.M.D.G. London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard (Text: The Oxford Book of Ballads) Baccholian Singers of London The Company of Heaven Peter Barkworth, Sheila Allen (narrators), Cathryn Pope (soprano), Dan Dressen (tenor) & Christopher Herrick (organ) London Philharmonic Choir & English Chamber Orchestra, Philip Brunelle Ballad of Heroes, Op. 14 Robert Tear (tenor) CBSO Chorus & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Praise We Great Men Alison Hargan (soprano), Mary King (contralto), Robert Tear (tenor) & Willard White (bass) CBSO Chorus & City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Les illuminations, Op. 18 Heather Harper (soprano) Northern Sinfonia Orchestra, Sir Neville Marriner Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31 Neil Mackie (tenor) & Barry Tuckwell (horn) Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, for tenor, horn and strings orch. Colin Matthews Neil Mackie (tenor) & Barry Tuckwell (horn) Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford Nocturne, Op. 60 for tenor, obbligato instruments and strings Robert Tear (tenor) English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate Quatre Chansons Françaises Jill Gomez (soprano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8 Elisabeth Söderström (soprano) Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong Four Folksong Settings Elisabeth Söderström (soprano) Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong Phaedra, Op. 93 Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano), Jane Salmon (cello) & Melvyn Tan (harpsichord) Endymion Ensemble, John Whitfield Five French Folksong arrangements Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano) Endymion Ensemble, John Whitfield Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 Peter Pears (tenor) & Benjamin Britten (piano) The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 Peter Pears (tenor) & Benjamin Britten (piano) On this Island, Op. 11 Robert Tear (tenor) & Sir Philip Ledger (piano) Winter Words, Op. 52 Robert Tear (tenor) & Sir Philip Ledger (piano) Canticles I-V Ian Bostridge (tenor), David Daniels (countertenor), Christopher Maltman (baritone), Timothy Brown (horn), Aline Brewer (harp) & Julius Drake (piano) Folksongs (selection) Ian Bostridge (tenor), David Daniels (countertenor), Christopher Maltman (baritone), Timothy Brown (horn), Aline Brewer (harp) & Julius Drake (piano) The Children and Sir Nameless (Hardy) Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) Beware! - Three Early Songs Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) To lie flat on the back with the knees flexed (No. 1 from Fish in the Unruffled Lakes) Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) Three rhymes by William Soutar Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) Tit for Tat Jonathan Lemalu (bass baritone) & Malcolm Martineau (piano) Two Ballads for two voices and piano Felicity Lott (soprano) & Ann Murray (mezzo-soprano) Folksongs (selection) Robert Tear (tenor) & Sir Philip Ledger (piano) Folksongs (selection) Sarah Brightman (soprano) & Geoffrey Parsons (piano) Paul Bunyan Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra of the Plymouth Music Series, Philip Brunelle Peter Grimes Recorded: VI.1992, Watford Town Hall Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Felicity Lott, Thomas Allen, Patricia Payne, Maria Bovino, Gillian Webster, Stuart Kale, Stafford Dean, Sarah Walker, Neil Jenkins, Simon Keenlyside, David Wilson-Johnson Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bernard Haitink The Turn of the Screw Recorded: 17–19.I.2002, Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, Suffolk Ian Bostridge, Joan Rodgers, Julian Leang, Caroline Wise, Jane Henschel, Vivian Tierney Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Harding A Midsummer Night's Dream Recorded: XI.1990 James Bowman, Lillian Watson, Dexter Fletcher, John Graham-Hall, Henry Herford, Della Jones, Jill Gomez, Norman Bailey, Penelope Walker Trinity Boys’ Choir, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox The Rape of Lucretia Abridged recording of the revised version (1947), Recorded: 16–19.VII. & 19.X.1947, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London Nancy Evans (Lucretia), Peter Pears (Male Chorus), Joan Cross (Female Chorus), Frederick Sharp (Tarquinius), Norman Lumsden (Collatinus), Dennis Dowling (Junius), Margaret Ritchie (Lucia), Flora Nielsen (Bianca) English Opera Group Chamber Orchestra, Reginald Goodall Night covers up the rigid land (No. 2 from Fish in the Unruffled Lakes) Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) If it's ever Spring again (Hardy) Neil Mackie (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) |
Benjamin Britten was born on the day of the Patron Saint of Music – St. Cecilia – 22nd November in 1913 in Lowestoft. He showed remarkable skill at composition from his earliest days. In 1924 he met Frank Bridge (1879-1941), a fine composer in his own right, and became his pupil; through him he developed an appreciation of contemporary music with scores by Bartók and the Schönberg school, particulary Berg. In 1930 he entered the Royal College of Music and developed the pianistic skills which made him such a brilliant interpreter of both his own music and other greats particularly Mozart and Schubert. From these times date the beautiful A Hymn to the Virgin, Quatre Chansons Françaises and the Sinfonietta, his official Op. 1. He visited Vienna in 1934 and saw Wozzeck but family resistance prevented him studying with Berg (who, in any case, died from blood poisoning caused by an insect sting a year later). He worked for some years in the film unit of the General Post Office where he met W.H. Auden whose poetry inspired the brilliant song cycle Our Hunting Fathers. The experience in the film unit enabled him to develop the expressive immediacy and technical abilities – often using small and unconventional resources – which would assist his composition of operas in the years to come. In 1939 he decided to follow Auden to America, accompanying him was the tenor Peter Pears (1910-1986) who was to be the inspiration behind so many great operatic roles and song cycles. There he composed the Sinfonia da Requiem, the Michelangelo Sonnets and the First Quartet. His first opera, Paul Bunyan, to an Auden libretto, was also composed there but then withdrawn (it was revived for the Aldeburgh Festival in the year he died). He started to get the pangs of homesickness especially when he read, by chance, an article by E.M. Forster on the Suffolk poet Crabbe (whose work was to lead to arguably his greatest success) and he returned to England in 1942. He wrote A Ceremony of Carols and Hymn to St. Cecilia (another Auden text) during this year. For British Opera the date 7th June 1945 will always remain a red-letter day as it heralded the premiere of a masterpiece, Peter Grimes. The triumph not only established Britten as Purcell’s successor as Britain’s greatest music dramatist but its numerous performances abroad showed that Britain had an international composer celebrity. The Rape of Lucretia was premiered the following year as was the work by which Britten is probably best remembered – certainly by thankful schoolchildren for their guide to the Orchestra. Here he subjects the theme by Purcell to a series of ingenious variations played by each member of the orchestra and then as groups and finally a fugue where everything comes together in a simply unforgettable coda. Indeed when one examines Britten’s output it is hard not to credit him with at least one work of genius, if not a masterpiece, virtually every year for the rest of his composing life – whether it be an opera, for example The Turn of the Screw in 1954 or A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1960; a choral work, for example Spring Symphony in 1949 or the War Requiem in 1961, a large vocal work, for example Serenade for tenor, horn and strings in 1943, Nocturne in 1958 and Phaedra in 1975; a smaller vocal work, for example the Canticles of 1947, 1952, 1954, 1971 & 1974; the works he wrote for Mstislav Rostropovich – the Cello Sonata in 1961, the Cello Symphony in 1963 and the three Solo Cello Suites in 1964, 1967 & 1971; the two remaining string quartets in 1945 & 1975 and a full length ballet The Prince of the Pagodas in 1956. Besides setting many classic poets from Britain including Blake, Burns, Coleridge, Donne, Hardy, Keats, Jonson, Milton, Owen, Shakespeare, Shelley, Spenser, Tennyson and Wordsworth he also set texts in French (Hugo, Rimbaud and Verlaine), Italian (Michelangelo), German (Hölderlin) and Russian (Pushkin). He was also partly responsible for the reawakening of interest in the music of his great predecessor, Henry Purcell by making realizations of a large number of his works. He also launched the music festival in his adopted town of Aldeburgh. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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